Mycobacterium marinum nodular lymphangitis

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium marinum has been recognized for some forty years. It generally occurs after trauma in a patient who manipulates tropical fis h living in an aquarium. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an exotic fish seller who developed M. m arinum nodular lymphangitis after being bitten by one of the fish. DISCUSSION: Nodular lesions occuring after trauma in subjects living in Fra nce who are in contact with exotic fish suggest the diagnosis of M. marinum . Nodular lymphangitis is seen in about 50% of the cases. Prolonged antibio tic therapy is required. Several antibiotics are effective including minocy cline used in our case for 2 months after complete healing of the wound. Su rgery is exceptionnaly required.